Get Started

1. Go to Articles & Databases , or click the above icon to go directly into the My China Roots database then skip to Step 4.

2. Filter by Letter "M".

3. Scroll down to My China Roots then click the access link.

4. Log in with your 14-digit card number without spaces or dashes and PIN/password. (Reset PIN/password .)

5. Selecting English or Chinese, type the First Name, Last Name and Place to find ancestry records then click the Search button. You can also by Full Text, Sources or Advanced Search.

If you are experiencing a technical problem (non-Library card issue) with Peterson's Test Prep, please contact Gale Technical Support .

Get Started

1. Go to Peterson's Test Prep , or simply click the link. This link also appears on the eLearning  page under Test Preparation.

2. If you're accessing this resource from outside the Library, log in with your 14-digit card number without spaces or dashes and PIN/password. (Reset PIN/password .)

3. Click the Log In or Sign Up button. (This is located in two areas of the website.)

Some materials are stored offsite and so must be requested before you'd like to use them, in order to give us time to retrieve them.  Please allow up to 72 hours, though it is usually sooner. If contact information is provided, we will notify you when your materials are available.

The San Francisco Main Library provides a free obituary search service for up to 10 names per month.

We perform searches only for persons whose obituary appeared in San Francisco newspapers.

Please see additional details and fill out the form here to submit your request: SFPL Obituary Search Request Form .

What's happening?

In April 2023, the OverDrive app will be discontinued. OverDrive encourages you to make the switch to Libby, its newer reading app. Libby is made by the same people, with the same goal of connecting you to your favorite books and audiobooks.

Download Libby for free from your mobile device's app store or visit online at libbyapp.com to get started.

Why is this happening now?

Career Pathways (CAPathways) is a workforce development program of the California State Library.

All Are Welcome

[Image: All are Welcome]Residents of California may receive a free library card. A San Francisco Public Library card opens the door to a world of information and entertainment. In addition to borrowing books , LPs , and museum passes , your card allows you to download digital media , use electronic databases , take online classes , use library computers and printers to copy, scan, and fax  and more. 
Online Application
• English
• 中文 Chinese
• Español Spanish

Most types of Library Cards are valid for 4 years. You can renew your expired account a few different ways:

1. By email to info@sfpl.org. Please include: 

-library card number
-full name
-date of birth
-telephone number
-residence address

2. Online via chat or text (SMS), or viaweb form  (please provide the above info and your email address)

3. By telephone at 415-557-4400 (please provide the above info and your email address)

You may borrow an item for 21 days. Most items are eligible for up to 5 renewals of an additional 21 days each. See exceptions below, including LINK+ and InterLibrary Loan items.

Auto Renew
Eligible items renew automatically 2 days before the due date. If you select email as your notice preference , the Library will notify you of the new due date.

Renew Online
You can renew materials online by logging in to your library card account:

Library Cards Fee
California residents Free
Visitors from outside CA     $10.00
   
Lost / Damaged items  
replacement varies